The Chicago Cubs, a team steeped in baseball lore, boasts a uniform history as rich and varied as their time on the diamond. While their home whites have remained a classic, the Cubs’ road uniforms have undergone fascinating transformations since 1958. This exploration delves into the evolution of the Cubs Uniform, specifically focusing on their away game attire, and what makes each era distinctive.
1958-1968: The Classic Road Look
This era cemented a timeless design for the Cubs road uniform. Mirroring the home pinstripes in spirit, the away jerseys featured a grey base with ‘CUBS’ boldly emblazoned across the chest in blue and red lettering. This design, exemplified by the legendary Ernie Banks, was a masterclass in baseball aesthetics – simple, strong, and instantly recognizable. This classic design was so beloved it was brought back for throwback games, proving its enduring appeal.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971698/GettyImages-50919105.0.jpg)
The throwback version, worn by Jake Arrieta, demonstrates the lasting style of this Cubs uniform. The design elements, from the font to the color palette, resonate even in modern baseball.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3453136/usa-today-7952530.0.0.jpg)
1969-1971: Centennial Shift in Cubs Jersey Design
Celebrating MLB’s centennial, the Cubs road uniform underwent a subtle yet significant change. The red accents were removed, resulting in an all-blue lettering and numbering scheme on the grey jersey. Numbers were also added to the front of the uniform for the first time, a practical addition that became a standard in baseball uniform design. Ron Santo showcases this transitional Cubs uniform, complete with the commemorative patch.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971702/GettyImages-52214350.0.jpg)
1972: A Unique, One-Year Cubs Uniform Experiment
1972 marked a unique and short-lived experiment in Cubs uniform design. Transitioning to polyester, the team adopted a beltless style, common in the era. However, the most striking feature was the placement of the uniform number in the center of the jersey, a design choice rarely seen in baseball and exclusive to this single season for the Cubs road uniform. Billy Williams models this unusual, yet historically significant, Cubs jersey.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971712/GettyImages-50812373.0.jpg)
1973-1977: Powder Blue Enters the Cubs Uniform Palette
The mid-1970s saw the Cubs embrace the powder blue trend popular across baseball. Returning to a design similar to the 1969-71 uniforms, this iteration featured a polyester pullover in a distinctive powder blue hue. This Cubs uniform, worn by Bill Madlock, also included patches commemorating both the National League and Cubs centennials, highlighting the rich history of the franchise.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971714/GettyImages-467344392.0.jpg)
1978-1981: The Controversial “Pajama” Cubs Uniform
The late 70s and early 80s introduced what became known as the “pajama” Cubs road uniforms. These are characterized by reverse-pinstripes and a generally less traditional baseball aesthetic. While opinions on this Cubs uniform are divided, it remains a memorable, if not infamous, part of their uniform history.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971720/GettyImages-129752690.0.jpg)
1982-1989: Blue and White Boldness in Cubs Away Jersey
Tribune Company’s acquisition of the Cubs brought a bolder approach to the road uniform. The Cubs became pioneers in adopting a colored jersey as their primary away uniform, choosing a striking blue. Paired with all-white pants, a less common choice for road uniforms, this Cubs uniform as worn by Lee Smith, made a strong visual statement in contrast to traditional grey.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971728/GettyImages-51479912.0.jpg)
1990: A One-Year Return to Tradition for Cubs Road Uniforms
1990 saw a brief return to more traditional baseball aesthetics. The Cubs road uniform reverted to belts and button-front jerseys. This style, exemplified by Ryne Sandberg, was a one-year interlude, showcasing a classic look before further modifications in subsequent seasons. This Cubs uniform also featured the 1990 All-Star patch.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971732/GettyImages-51922408.0.jpg)
1991-1993: Evolving the Classic Cubs Jersey Style
Building on the 1990 design, the 1991-93 Cubs road uniform featured minor but noticeable changes. The “CHICAGO” script across the chest was enlarged, and a bear-cub patch was added to the right sleeve. Mark Grace showcases this updated, yet still classic-inspired, Cubs uniform.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971736/GettyImages-453023734.0.jpg)
1994-1996: The Infamous “CUBA” Cubs Jerseys
The mid-90s brought another controversial Cubs uniform to the field. Nicknamed the “CUBA” jerseys due to the script “CUBS” resembling “CUBA,” these uniforms were widely disliked and short-lived. Sammy Sosa is pictured in this Cubs jersey, which, despite its infamy, is a unique part of Cubs uniform history.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971738/GettyImages-461024678.0.jpg)
1997-Present: Return to Traditional Gray Cubs Road Uniform
Moving towards the late 90s and into the present, the Cubs reverted to a more traditional grey road uniform. This “traditional grey” look, modeled here by Anthony Rizzo, represents a return to classic baseball uniform aesthetics and has become a staple for the team’s away games.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971744/GettyImages-476456634.0.jpg)
2003-Present: The Blue Alternate Cubs Jersey
Adding an alternate dimension to their uniform set, the Cubs introduced a blue alternate road jersey in 2003. This blue alternate, worn by Kris Bryant, offers a modern twist and is a popular, though sometimes debated, addition to the Cubs uniform rotation.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971752/GettyImages-470981066.0.jpg)
2014-Present: “CUBS” Gray Alternate Road Uniform
The most recent addition to the Cubs road uniform collection is a grey alternate introduced in 2014. This uniform, modeled by Kyle Schwarber, features “CUBS” across the chest, differing from the “CHICAGO” of the primary road grey. Inspired by a 1920s design, this alternate adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Cubs uniform history, though its unconventional numbering font has drawn mixed reactions.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3971758/GettyImages-479128244.0.jpg)
Conclusion: A Legacy Stitched in Time
From the classic grey of the 1950s and 60s to the modern alternates, the Chicago Cubs road uniforms reflect not just changing styles but also the team’s evolving identity. Each uniform tells a story, connecting generations of fans to the team’s rich and colorful history. The Cubs uniform is more than just sportswear; it’s a symbol of tradition, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Chicago baseball.
